Youth across the county are invited to sharpen their communication skills as registration opens for the 2026 Stephenson County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Stephenson County Extension Office, located in Building R at Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd., Freeport, IL.
The contest provides 4-H members the opportunity to develop confidence, strengthen public speaking abilities, and share knowledge through prepared speeches and demonstrations. Participants may present on a topic of their choice, showcasing skills they have developed through 4-H projects and personal interests.
The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and support local youth as they take the stage. Family, friends, and supporters are welcome to cheer on participants and celebrate their hard work and preparation.
Public speaking and demonstrations are cornerstone experiences in 4-H, helping youth build lifelong skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Participants may also have the opportunity to advance beyond the county level and compete at the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest.
Registration is currently open for Stephenson County 4-H members online at http://stephenson4-hfair.fairentry.com. Registration closes Friday, March 6. For more information about how to become a 4-H member, or how to participate or attend, contact the Stephenson County Extension Office.
University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From exhibiting projects at the Stephenson County 4-H Shows to organizing community service projects, youth are learning leadership, teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in school, careers, and life. To learn more about Stephenson County 4-H or to get involved, contact University of Illinois Extension – Stephenson County at 815-235-4125 or email js80@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.